Mojave Desert Heritage and Cultural Association, Essex

About Mojave Desert Heritage and Cultural Association

The Mojave Desert Heritage and Cultural Association operates the Goffs Schoolhouse Museum, a cultural center dedicated to preserving and interpreting the natural and cultural history of the Mojave Desert region. Visitors explore the restored Goffs Schoolhouse and extensive archives housing artifacts, historical documents, and photographs related to desert heritage. The museum grounds feature outdoor exhibits including the Ten-Stamp Mill at Goffs and the historic Goffs Depot with its collection of artifacts. The association maintains a library and archives of American West history available for research. The MDHCA Bookstore offers guidebooks including the Tales of the Mojave Road publications and Eastern Mojave Heritage Trail guides used for off-road desert exploration. Educational programs and field trips provide deeper engagement with local history. The museum and grounds accommodate visitors through regular weekend hours or by advance arrangement. The association, formed in 1993, continues founder Dennis Casebier's work documenting and preserving the region's heritage in Essex, California.